What Size Rug Should Go Under My King Bed?
As a designer consultant at DressMyCrib, I strengthen the company with key knowledge that helps them understand the visual and mental effects of colors, textures, materials and shapes, to assist users in finding the right rug for their space. In this article, full of visual examples, let me guide you to choose the best rug size that goes under your king bed.
Best Rug Sizes For A King Bed
King beds tend to work best in rooms that are at least 10 x 12, though they are also often used in rooms measuring around 13 x 13 or more. As with other larger beds, king beds are typically centred in the room with the headboard, or top of the bed, against one wall.
To find the perfect rug size for your king bed, you will have to consider not only the size of your king bed, but also the size of your bedroom. This will help you find the rug size most suited to your space.
What Size Rug For A King Bed In A Small to Medium Room?
King beds are the largest standard bed size, measuring 76 inches wide by 80 inches long (193 x 203 cm), though variations exist. "Usually, the King bed is positioned centered, against one wall to make the best use of the space," says an interior designer.
For a king bed in a small-to-medium room, choose a rug that is 8x10. An 8x10 rug will be the smallest size you should consider under your king bed in order to maintain the balance of the room.
Photo by Brendt Blanks
Top 8x10 Rugs to Match Your King Bed Decor
What Size Rug For A King Bed In A Medium-Sized Room?
The best rug size for a king bed in a medium sized bedroom (11’ x 14’) will likely be around 9x12. This rug size will allow for about 1’ of space between the walls and the edges of your rug. You will have a soft landing space on all three sides of the bed. With a 9x12 rug for your king bed, the top legs of the bed frame remaining off of the rug, as will any accompanying nightstands.
Photo by Andrea Tront
Our Top 9x12 Rugs to Match Your King Bed
What Size Rug For A King Bed In A Larger-Sized Room?
For a larger bedroom measuring 12’ x 16’ or more, you may choose to incorporate a rug that is large enough to accommodate the entire bedframe, as well as its nightstands. To place both a king bed and nightstands on the rug, choose a rug size of at least 10x14.
Photo by @livingwithnic
Our Top 10x14 Rugs to Match a King Bed
For a California king-size bed, choose a 12x15 rug. This size will be able to accommodate the full bed frame, nightstands and any end-of-bed benches or other furniture while still leaving rug exposure despite the California king’s longer size.
Photo by @rachelkathleenhome
Best 12x15 rugs for your King's bed
Alternative for King's Bed: Double Runners
This is an excellent option to keep your room seeming spacious, airy and light. Runner rugs won’t be placed under a king bed but rather on the sides or foot of the bed, making them easier to lift during cleaning.
Photo by Walmart
Runner Rugs to style with a King's Bed
King Bed Sizes
King bed is a popular bed choice. Generally, standard king beds are 76 inches wide and 80 inches long (193 x 203 cm).
California King beds, on the other hand, are king beds designed for taller people. While it is commonly believed that California King beds are larger than the standard king, this is not true. California King beds are longer than the standard, yet less wide, measuring 72 inches wide and 84 inches long (183 x 213 cm). California King beds are 4 inches (10 cm) narrower and 4 inches (10 cm) longer than King size beds.
Photo by Pure Salt Interiors
Tips For Choosing Right Rug Size
According to interior designers, the standard rule is for rugs to extend 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) beyond the sides of a king bed. Additionally, you should keep at least 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm) of bare floor between the sides of your rug and the walls.
An area rug for a king size bed should therefore be at least 112 to 124 inches (284 to 315 cm) or 10 feet wide. As a result, an area rug for a king size bed should be at least 8 x 10. An 8x10 rug under a king bed will work fantastically for a small or medium sized room.
If your room allows it, however, you will likely want a 9x12 or 10x14 rug under your king bed, as this will look particularly spectacular.
Photo by Katharina
| Room Size (ft) | Recommended Rug Size | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 12 ft | 6×9 (tight), 8×10 (ideal) | Leaves enough walking space without crowding walls. |
| 11 × 14 ft | 8×10 or 9×12 | Perfect balance of coverage + nightstand or bench support. |
| 12 × 16 ft | 9×12 or 10×14 | Creates a full-frame feel under the bed + furnishings. |
| 14 × 18 ft+ | 10×14 | Best for large primary bedrooms; adds symmetry and warmth. |
Quick rule:
Leave 18–24 inches of bare floor between the rug and the wall for proper framing.
King Bed Rug Placement by Size
Standard King Bed – Frame Bottom Two-Thirds of Bed
This is the most conventional interior design styling choice. With a standard king-sized bed (76 inches by 80 inches), centered and placed against the wall in a medium sized (11x14) bedroom, choose an 8x10 or 9x12 area rug. Place the rug under the bottom two-thirds of the bed, leaving the nightstands and top legs of the bed frame off the rug.
This will cover most of the floor while still leaving 1’ of space between the walls and edges of the rug. This placement will allow for your feet to touch down on the rug on all three sides of the bed.
8x10 rugs: Place the rug under the bed. A full king-sized bed frame can sit on this rug entirely. Nightstands will have to stay off the rug, or else be very slim.
Photo by Nikki's Plate
An alternative placement for an 8x10 rug is to place it under the bottom two-thirds of the bed, leaving the head of the bed and its nightstands on the floor. This placement will create the illusion of a longer look.
Photo by Viktoria
Frame Entire King Bed
Choose a 9x12 rug and place it under your king bed. This will frame the entire bed, including all foot and corners, and allow for comfort underfoot. This will define the space and use your bed as a focal point, while still allowing for more visibility of beautiful hardwood flooring.
King Bed And Nightstands – Frame Bed and Furniture
Choose an area rug that is at least 10x14 to place an entire king-sized bedframe and nightstands on the rug. This will help to ground all the furniture and define the space, making the room seem larger. This placement has a particularly luxurious appeal and works well in rooms 12x16 or larger.
Alternatively, you could also place your 10x14 rug one-third below the head of your king bed. Placing your rug on the bottom two-thirds of the bed, the top legs of your king bed and the nightstands will remain on bare floor. This creates a luxurious aesthetic while also allowing you to place a bed bench or chest atop the rug.
California King Bed with 12x15 Rug Rugs
12x15 rugs: Place your 12x15 under the entirety of your California king bed. With all accompanying furniture sitting atop the rug, you will create an intentional, balanced look that will evoke a sense of harmony.
Runner Rugs
Place two 8-foot-long runners on either side of the bed. Maintain two inches of bare floor between the rug and the bed. This will create a comfortable landing space as you step out of bed in the mornings.
Alternatively, you can also choose to place a single runner rug at the foot of the bed, keeping the bed legs off the rug. Keep two inches of bare floor between the rug and the bed.
Rug Size For King Bed: General Guidelines
- A bedroom area rug should extend at least 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) beyond the sides of the bed
- Rug edges should remain at least 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm) away from the wall
- Bedroom size should be taken into consideration
- Rugs should not cover air vents
The 4 most popular rug sizes for a king’s bed are 10x14 feet, 9x12 feet, 8x10 feet and 2x8 feet runner rugs. When choosing a king’s bed rug, keep in mind that a bigger rug gives more coziness. However, a smaller or a runner rug is more flexible and easier to clean.
Frequently Asked Questions: Rug Size for King Bed
What is the best rug size for a king bed?
The most commonly recommended sizes for a king bed are 8×10, 9×12, and 10×14, depending on your room dimensions and how far you want the rug to extend around the bed.
Is an 8×10 rug big enough for a king bed?
Yes. An 8×10 rug can work well in medium-sized bedrooms. It is usually placed under the bottom two-thirds of the bed so nightstands sit off the rug while you still have soft landing areas on the sides and at the foot.
Is 9×12 better than 8×10 for a king bed?
A 9×12 rug creates a more balanced look around a king bed than an 8×10. It is ideal when you want more rug visible at the sides and the foot of the bed, especially in rooms around 12×16 ft or larger.
Do I need a 10×14 rug for a king bed?
A 10×14 rug is best for large primary bedrooms—typically 14×18 ft or bigger. It creates a high-end, hotel-style look where the bed, nightstands, and a bench can all sit comfortably on the rug.
Can I put a king bed on a 6×9 rug?
A 6×9 rug is usually too small to sit fully under a king bed, but it can work in tight rooms if placed only at the foot of the bed. It functions more as an accent rug than full coverage.
What rug size works for a 12×16 ft bedroom with a king bed?
For a 12×16 ft bedroom with a king bed, a 9×12 rug is typically ideal. It provides generous coverage while leaving 18–24 inches of bare flooring around the room edges.
What rug size for a small bedroom with a king bed?
In bedrooms under 12 ft wide, a 6×9 or 8×10 rug works best. You can also use two runners on each side of the bed if a full rug doesn't fit.
How much should a rug extend beyond a king bed?
Aim for 18–24 inches of rug extending beyond the sides and foot of a king bed to create comfortable landing areas and visual balance.
Should the entire king bed sit on the rug?
It's optional. For a luxurious look, choose a 9×12 or 10×14 rug so that the bed and nightstands sit fully on the rug. Otherwise, a two-thirds placement with an 8×10 is common and budget-friendly.
Can the rug be placed only under the bottom part of the bed?
Yes. This two-thirds placement is popular with 8×10 rugs. The headboard and nightstands stay off the rug while the area under your feet is fully covered.
Where should a rug sit in relation to nightstands?
You have two clean options: place both the bed and nightstands fully on the rug, or start the rug just below the nightstands. Avoid having nightstands half on and half off the rug.
How do I position a rug under a king bed with a bench?
Choose a 9×12 or 10×14 rug and position it so it extends at least 6–8 inches past the bench for a balanced look.
What rug size is best for a California King bed?
California King beds generally work best with 9×12 or 10×14 rugs because the bed is longer and benefits from more coverage.
Can an 8×10 rug work under a California King?
Yes, if using a two-thirds placement where the rug sits mainly under the lower two-thirds of the bed.
Can I use runners instead of a full rug under a king bed?
Yes. Two runners—typically 2×8 or 3×7—placed on each side of the bed offer comfort and balance, especially in small or narrow rooms.
Is a rug at the foot of the bed enough for a king bed?
Yes. A 5×7 or 6×9 rug placed at the foot of the bed can provide comfort and style without requiring full under-bed coverage.
How should I choose a rug for a king bed on hardwood floors?
Choose larger rugs (8×10, 9×12, 10×14) and always pair them with a quality rug pad to prevent slipping and protect the flooring.
Can you put a rug under a king bed on carpet?
Yes. Use a flatweave or low-pile rug with a non-slip pad to prevent rippling or shifting on carpet.
What rug material is best under a king bed?
Flatweave, low-pile, or medium-pile rugs are ideal under a king bed because they're easier to clean and stay stable under heavy furniture.
Should I avoid high-pile rugs under a king bed?
High-pile rugs can make nightstands unstable and are harder to vacuum under large furniture. They're better used as accent rugs at the foot of the bed.
Do I need a rug pad under a large rug?
Yes. Rug pads prevent slipping, protect floors, add cushioning, and help the rug maintain its shape.
What color rug looks best with a king bed?
Neutral colors like beige, grey, and cream create a calm look. Patterns or darker colors can help anchor a large room.
What pattern size works best under a king bed?
Medium to large-scale patterns work best. Small patterns can disappear under the bed.
Should I leave space between the rug and the wall?
Yes. Leave 18–24 inches of bare floor around the edges of the rug for a balanced layout.
What is the biggest mistake people make with king-bed rugs?
The most common mistake is choosing a rug that is too small, making the room look cramped and unbalanced.
How do I measure a rug for a king bed?
Measure your room, the bed frame, and nightstands, and decide how much rug you want visible. Most people choose between 8×10, 9×12, and 10×14.
Can I preview how a rug will look under my king bed?
Yes. You can use our Rug Visualizer to upload a photo of your bedroom and preview different rug sizes and layouts instantly.
Best Rugs To Match Your King Bed
